Here's why:
* Chordates are a diverse group of animals that share certain key characteristics at some point in their development:
* Notochord: A flexible rod that supports the body.
* Dorsal hollow nerve cord: A tube of nerve tissue running along the back.
* Pharyngeal slits: Openings in the throat region.
* Post-anal tail: A tail extending beyond the anus.
Tigers, being mammals, exhibit all of these chordate features at some stage of their development.